Just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts. On November 15, 2024, President Xi Jinping quoted this Latin American proverb in his written speech delivered at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation CEO Summit. He called on all nations to enhance solidarity and cooperation, jointly stand up to global challenges and form a mighty force for the common prosperity of the world and a brighter future for humanity. 

The world today is undergoing profound changes unseen in a century. The Global South, or the nations of the world considered to have a relatively low level of economic and industrial development and typically located to the south of more industrialized nations, including China and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), is rising with growing strength and influence.

Amid shifting international dynamics, China-LAC relations have entered a new phase—one grounded in equality, mutual benefit, innovation and openness and with a focus on delivering real benefits to the people, setting a new benchmark for South-South cooperation.

In July 2014, during his visit to Brasília, capital of Brazil, Xi attended the China-LAC Countries Leaders' Meeting, where he first proposed building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together with the attending leaders, he announced the establishment of the Forum of China and Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

In January 2015, the First Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum was held in Beijing. This was the beginning of overall cooperation between China and LAC countries. "The China-CELAC Forum, a young seedling in our eyes, needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger." These remarks, delivered by Xi at the opening ceremony, embodied his high hopes for the forum's enduring success. 

Today, that once-tender seedling has grown into a flourishing tree—lush, robust and thriving. From vision to reality, from concept to concrete action, the China-CELAC Forum has become the leading platform for advancing overall cooperation between China and LAC countries, aligning development strategies on both sides, and building a shared future for the China-LAC community.

Over the past decade, under the framework of the China-CELAC Forum, the two sides have continuously deepened political mutual trust and expanded practical cooperation. Panama, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Honduras have established or resumed diplomatic ties with China. The latter has firmly held its position as the LAC's second largest trading partner, while Chile, Peru, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Nicaragua have all become China's free trade partners.

In November 2024, the Chancay Port in Peru officially commenced operations. This milestone not only bears testament to how the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-proposed strategy to boost connectivity along and beyond the ancient Silk Road routes, has made a difference in Peru, but also celebrates the birth of a new land-sea corridor between Asia and LAC countries in the new era.

Over the past decade, China and LAC nations, as part of the Global South, have remained committed to safeguarding world peace and promoting shared development. In May 2024, China and Brazil jointly issued the Common Understandings on Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis, which received positive responses from more than 110 countries. For Caribbean nations grappling with severe threats stemming from climate change, China has extended climate assistance through both bilateral and multilateral channels.

The Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the China-CELAC Forum took place in Beijing on May 13. China has expressed its readiness to work with partners in the region to promote progress in building a China-LAC community with a shared future. Together, they seek to address global challenges, promote reforms in global governance and contribute wisdom and strength to maintaining world peace and stability.

With a steady hand on the wheel and a strong wind in the sails, the journey is set to soar. At this new historic juncture, China and the LAC continue to meet each other half way despite the vast ocean that sets them apart. In the spirit of the proverb "just as a ship is powered by its sails, people are inspired by their hearts," the China-LAC community with a shared future is poised for a steady and prosperous voyage, charting a new course for bilateral relations. BR

Copyedited by Elsbeth van Paridon 

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